The Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools honored principals in Brooklyn and Queens during two end-of-the-year events.
Principals, who were celebrating anniversaries and/or changing ministries, were recognized at a dinner on May 31, and all principals participated in the St. John Neumann Principals’ Day of Prayer and Appreciation on May 24.
Additionally, Michael Pizzingrillo, deputy superintendent, who will be assuming the position of Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Albany, was recognized for his many years of service to schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
“We were delighted to recognize our principals for their hard work, dedication and leadership at these two events,” said Barbara McArdle, assistant superintendent. “Principals are not only the educational leaders of their schools but also the spiritual leaders.”
A retreat day, directed by Bishop-elect Raymond Chappetto, provided the opportunity for spiritual renewal for all principals. The day included communal prayer, a conference based on the coming “Year of Faith,” time for quiet reflection, and concluded with Mass.
Principals who were honored for their service included: Martin Abruzzo, Holy Child of Jesus School, Richmond Hill, 40 years; William Geasor, Salve Regina Catholic Academy, East New York, 35 years; and Sister Paulette Pollina, R.S.M., St. Catherine of Genoa – St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Academy, Flatbush, 30 years.
Principals honored for 15 years of service were: JoAnn Dolan, St. Sebastian, Woodside; Frances DeLuca, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ozone Park; Satti Marchan, Incarnation, Queens Village; Anthony Paparelli, Good Shepherd, Marine Park; Barbara Reiter, St. Luke, Whitestone; and Anne Zuschlag, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Forest Hills.
Principals honored for 10 years of service included: Kathleen Buscemi, St. Bernard, Mill Basin; William Ferguson, St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy, Ozone Park; Arlene Figaro, Visitation Academy, Bay Ridge; Eileen Harnischfeger, Immaculate Conception, Astoria; and Joann Heppt, Resurrection Ascension, Rego Park.
Principals honored for five years of service were: Carol Donnelly, St. Mark, Sheepshead Bay; Jeannette Boursiquot-Charles, St. Bartholomew, Elmhurst; Diane Competello, St. Mel, Flushing; and Rudolph Cyrus-Charles, St. Gregory the Great, Crown Heights.
The following principals who are changing ministries were also recognized: Sister Maureen Ahlemeyer, P.B.V.M., Robert DiNardo, Loretta Rybacki, Sister Joan Losson, O.P., Joan Caccamo, Joan Armstrong, Maureen Rooney, Sheila Smith-Gonzalez, Kathleen Bollinger, Sue Ann Roye and Patrick Scannell.
